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What to read Memphis Reads from before 2016? Visit the Memphis Reads Blog Archive.

About Memphis Reads!

Memphis Reads is a blog series where Memphis Public Library staff members can discuss their favorite adult fiction and non-fiction books. Library staff members contribute reviews, essays, and news items about titles in the Library's collection and raise ideas, questions, and concerns for Memphians to consider.

Staff Book Reviews

Celie and her sister, Nellie, were raised by their mother and the man they discovered later to be their stepfather in rural Georgia.

Even though younger, prettier Nellie was the sister “Mister” desired, she was not allowed to marry him. Instead, Celie was expected to marry “Mister.”

This, of course, caused a separation between the sisters. While Celie was married to Mister, she endured rape, abuse, and slavery while raising his four children from his previous marriage. To make matters worse, Mister disrespected Celie and their marriage even more by allowing his true love, Suge Avery, to move into his house. Even though Mister was over heels in love with Suge, she and Celie began their own secret, sexual relationship.

While Suge and Celie’s love and understanding for one another grew, their relationship helped both gain independence away from Mister. Sensing this, Mister wanted to redeem himself so he contacted the Department of Immigration. Through this rare act of kindness, Celie and Nellie were finally reunited.

Knowing how much adversity the sisters had to endure, this novel is a true tear jerker.